Many people think they can't learn to ride a bike if they didn't when they were kids. Fortunately, this is not the case: teaching an adult to ride a bicycle is not necessarily a complicated or frustrating undertaking. All you need is open space, a good bike and a willing student. Be patient and encouraging and give your student all the time they need to feel comfortable and confident as they learn to ride a bike.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Ride your bike safely
Step 1. Schedule more than one session of 30-60 minutes each to teach your student to ride a bike
While some people can learn in just one session, this doesn't necessarily apply to everyone. The ideal length of a lesson depends on the student and his skills, however it is better to expect a duration of 30-60 minutes. It is better to finish the session after having made some progress: do not wait for the student to be tired or frustrated, otherwise he could get discouraged.
Step 2. Make sure the bike is in good condition
Check that the wheels are not worn and inflated if necessary. The seat and handlebars should be securely fastened and you should oil the bike chain. Make sure both brake levers are working properly and that there are no cracks in the frame.
Step 3. Choose a grassy or paved area that is slightly downhill
Low grass can provide a soft landing in the event of a fall, however if it is too high it will cause excessive friction and make pedaling more difficult. If your pupil prefers it, you can start on an asphalted surface. Make sure that the chosen area is slightly downhill, so that he can practice pushing himself with his feet, and that it also has gentle curves, if possible.
Step 4. Choose a place with little traffic
Do not choose a Saturday morning in a busy park to teach someone to ride a bicycle: people on foot or by bicycle could block the passage and intimidate your student. Instead, choose a time when there aren't many people around, like a Tuesday afternoon, or find a secluded spot and also make sure there is enough light for good visibility.
Step 5. Provide your student with suitable clothing and safety equipment
Make sure your shoes are fastened, cuffed up your pants (so they don't get trapped in the chain), and you're wearing a helmet. You can also wear gloves and knee and elbow protectors if you wish.
Part 2 of 3: Finding the Balance
Step 1. Adjust the seat so that it can rest your feet on the ground
The bicycle must be the right size for your pupil, otherwise he will have a hard time learning. Have him sit on the bicycle with his feet on the ground, then lower the seat if necessary: if he is lowered to the maximum but cannot touch the ground with his feet, he needs another bike.
The person should also be able to effortlessly reach the handlebars and brake levers
Step 2. Remove the pedals so she can learn to balance
Although it may seem illogical, pushing yourself with your feet can help the person in question find balance. Use a wrench to remove the pedals from each side and store everything in a safe place so it doesn't get lost.
Step 3. Teach him to get on and off the bike
It is necessary to learn these maneuvers to feel comfortable on the bike, perhaps pulling the brakes to decrease the oscillations. To get on, the person should tilt the bike sideways and put the opposite leg over the seat.
Have the operation repeated 10 times or until the person feels safe
Step 4. Tell your student to push the bike by hand and practice with the brakes
If he has no problem using the brakes, he will be more confident when he gets on the bike. Tell him to apply constant pressure on the levers: when he feels confident you can move on to the next phase of pushing with the feet.
Step 5. Get him to practice using his feet as a propulsive force
Have him sit on the saddle with his feet touching the ground and tell him to push the bike using his feet and start pushing himself forward. By doing so, he will learn what sensation you feel and how to find balance on two wheels. You can tell him to push himself off a slight slope to gain momentum and balance. Have him practice until he is able to leave and ride the bicycle without putting his feet on the ground to correct his balance.
Step 6. Replace the pedals and adjust the seat if necessary
Once your pupil has become familiar with the bicycle and is accustomed to pushing himself with his feet, he is ready to pedal. Reposition the pedals with the help of a wrench; make sure they are secure and that the person can reach them effortlessly while sitting on the bicycle. If necessary, adjust the seat height using an Allen key.
Part 3 of 3: Pedaling
Step 1. Place the pedal relative to the dominant foot at 2 o'clock
When the student is ready to start pedaling, have him sit on the bicycle and apply the brakes. Tell him to position the pedal in this way by placing his foot under it and pushing it upwards, while the other foot remains stationary on the ground to give balance.
Step 2. Tell him to release the brake and push his dominant foot onto the pedal
The foot on the ground must be raised and placed on the other pedal while continuing to look forward, not downwards; finally, you need to keep pushing with your feet to pedal.
Step 3. Keep one hand on the handlebar and one hand on the seat if necessary
Until your student has understood how the bicycle works, you can keep one hand on the handlebar and one on the saddle, without letting the other rely too much on you: he should learn to balance himself. Don't forget to remind him that the faster the pedals rotate, the easier it will be to find balance.
Step 4. Tell him to sit up straight and look straight ahead
While he may be tempted to look at his feet, he should instead focus on an object in front of him so that he can notice any bumps, curves, or obstacles in the way. He should also sit as straight as possible rather than hunching over the handlebars.
Step 5. Let him pedal unsupported once he feels comfortable
When he is able to balance and move the pedals, you can let go of the handlebar and seat. He can try pedaling unsupported for short distances, using the brakes and placing his feet on the ground whenever he feels fearful or unstable. Have him practice until he feels comfortable pedaling in a straight line and stopping the bike by pulling on the brakes.
Step 6. Teach him to turn in both directions
After teaching him to ride in a straight line, teach him to turn left and right, telling him to slow down while doing so. It may take some time to find the right balance between inclination and curvature, so encourage him to keep trying as long as he feels he is having difficulty. Remind him to keep looking ahead and to brake when he feels it is necessary.
